The Announcement
Exposure: Read the opening chapter of the New Testament—the account of Joseph, the earthly father God chose for His Son.
Exploration: Consider how the weight of generations of expectations affected Joseph's ability to step into such an awesome role. What do you think was going through Joseph's mind when the angel showed up and told them about Jesus?
Expression: How would you have felt if you were Joseph? Discuss with a friend or journal about what this announcement meant to Joseph and to all of us.
Experience: Have you had an experience where God asked you to do something that seemed ridiculous? Make a plan this Christmas season to do something ridiculous that you know God wants you to do.
My Exploration: I have read this chapter many times, but this time I really realized how much work and planning God put into the birth of Jesus. Fourteen generations and then fourteen more generations and then fourteen more generations....wow. That is a lot of people and a lot of families and creations. Jesus definitely came from an amazing family lineage.
I can't imagine how Joseph must have felt with the angel coming to him. CRAZY! I don't know what I would do if that were me!
My Expression: I think it would have almost seemed as a relief for the angel to come to Joseph. I am sure that he loved Mary and leaving her would have been hard on him. The angel solidified that he did not have to leave her, but I am sure the new adventure that he was about to embark on was terrifying.
My Experience: I am not sure if I have been asked to do anything ridiculous. Or, if I have I haven't listened very well. I hope and will pray that God will take me out of my comfort zone this Christmas season and start me on a terrifying adventure.
If you join this reading plan on You Version follow me and we can help keep each other accountable! My You Version name is missiet!
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1 Thessalonians 4:18 "Therefore ENCOURAGE each other with these words."